Head of the European Commission (EC) Delegation to Guyana Mr. Greet Hiekens on Wednesday said though culture is not a hot item on its development agenda, the European Union (EU) has recognised its importance to development.

Speaking at a press briefing at the EU office on Sandall Place and Croal Streets, Georgetown, the ambassador pointed out that the EU has very modestly promoted this aspect of its programme here through the recent European Film festival.

Several European films were screened at the Theatre Guild Playhouse in Kingston and had attracted satisfactory attendance.

Hiekens said too that he is looking at other ideas to facilitate a greater cultural exchange between Guyana and the EU which would include local and European performers.

He noted that moves were made to strengthen cooperation in this area through an invitation to Culture Minister Dr. Frank Anthony to attend a conference in Brussels on development, cooperation and culture.

But Dr. Anthony could not have attended that forum as former President Mrs. Janet Jagan had died around the same time.

He also praised the political cooperation between the EU and Guyana, pointing out that unlike other countries, where it takes days to contact a minister, here a minister or even President Bharrat Jagdeo can be easily reached.

Hiekens said the EU places keen interest on political dialogue and holds the view that at least annually issues of human rights, democracy and rule of law should be discussed.

On that point, he disclosed that the EC has agreed to enter its first such dialogue with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here in June and July.